Deal said reached on releasing Palestinian prisoners today

Unsourced reports in Hebrew language media claim that understandings have been reached between Israel and Hamas regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners today, after Israel held up the transfer until it received assurances regarding the safety of hostages being freed from Gaza.

According to Channel 12 news, inmates will be released from Ofir prison in the West Bank starting at 5 p.m.

Reuters reports that Hamas was informed by the Red Cross that the transfer of the inmates will take place later Thursday, citing a Palestinian source.

There is no official confirmation of the reports.

Israel had halted the planned release of 110 security prisoners after the handover of two Israelis and five Thai hostages to the Red Cross took place in the midst of an uncontrolled, threatening crowd in Khan Younis, raising concerns for their safety.